MIROMAR, Fla. –
Former All-American and 2011 graduate Ashley Twichell captured the women’s 10K
Open Water National Championship Friday in Miromar, Fla. After taking third
place in 2011, Twichell won the event Friday and will now represent the United
States at the Olympic qualifier event in Portugal on June 9.

Twichell came from behind to win the race in thrilling
fashion, moving ahead of the lead pack about midway through the fifth of six
laps. The Fayetteville, N.Y., native finished in a time of 2:03:06.03, nearly
45 seconds ahead of Haley Anderson in second place (2:03:50.44).

As one of the top two performers at the Open Water National
Championship, Twichell earned a trip to the Olympic qualifier event in Setubal,
Portugal on June 9.

“I’m really excited,” Twichell said. “This past year has
been a whirlwind and I’m really excited to continue the experience with my
World Championship roommate [Haley Anderson].”